Moral+Dimension

Moral Dimension
Moral judgements are attempts to ethically assess the past or implications of past actions through the lens of our present values and beliefs while considering the norms and conditions of that other period in time. We should learn something from the past that helps us face moral issues today.

Aspects of the Moral Dimension

 * All meaningful historical accounts involve moral judgement. These can be implicit or explicit.


 * When we make oral judgements about the past we risk imposing our present day values and norms on the past. We must remember the values and conditions of the that time as well as the historical context.


 * It is important to withhold judgement until the historical context has been explored.


 * When assigning responsibility for an action we must remember that deciding on responsibility is different than determining the cause.


 * Introducing the Moral Dimension**

Have students read an historical account from their textbook. Lead them as they identify the descriptive claims and the evaluative statements. Rather than teaching fact versus opinion teach factual statements (descriptions) versus value (evaluative) judgements.

Students Tasks